By Dr Bibiana Chan
WHY IT WORKS (FOUNDATION)
Creativity | Curiosity | Community
- Builds belonging and social identity
- Encourages self-expression without judgment
- Creates a safe space for connection and growth
“You don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you.”
HOW IT WORKS (APPROACH)
Co-Creation / Co-Production
- Young people are contributors, not consumers
- Facilitators guide, not instruct
Emphasis on:
- Autonomy (choice and freedom)
- Voice (sharing meaning)
- Ownership (leading and mentoring)
The CFS 3Cs Model (Creativity, Curiosity, Community)
Over the past eight years—including an 18-month “think tank” phase—the Community Flower Studio (CFS) has evolved organically. What began as a simple initiative of selling flowers to raise funds for youth creative programs has gradually developed into a three-tiered, community-based model of social prescribing. A presentation of this model was shared at the 2025 International Conference of Social Prescribing.
At its core, the CFS model can be understood through three interconnected layers—the “what” and “how” of our work:
1. Community Engagement & Mental Health Advocacy
Through pop-up stalls in public spaces and participation in cultural and health promotion events, CFS brings conversations about mental health into everyday community settings, helping to normalise and de-stigmatise these discussions.
2. Creative Workshops – By Young People, For Young People
Our workshops provide a safe and inclusive space where young people can explore creativity without judgment. Guided by the principle that “there is no right or wrong in creative arts”—while drawing on foundational concepts such as the Elements of Design—participants are encouraged to express themselves freely.
At a recent DIY Flower Bar workshop, participants were offered a rich selection of dried flowers in a full spectrum of colours—roses, hydrangeas, paper daisies, and native varieties—alongside greenery in different shapes and tones (light green, deep green, and silvery hues), as well as an assortment of nuts to add texture and interest. There were no fixed templates or expected outcomes—only an open invitation to create.
By the end of the session, every participant shared that this sense of “total creative freedom” was what they enjoyed most. Without the pressure to get things “right,” they explored, experimented, and made choices based on their own preferences. This autonomy fostered a sense of ownership and, ultimately, confidence.
In another workshop, participants worked with dried flowers in shadow boxes, with an added “show and tell” component. They were invited to share the meanings behind their creations. What unfolded went beyond presenting artwork—it became a space for reflection and self-discovery.
One participant in her mid-20s repeatedly remarked, “This is so deep,” as she realised how the process helped her better understand her personality, preferences, and how she responds to unfamiliar or overwhelming situations.
These experiences illustrate how creativity, when paired with freedom and meaningful sharing, becomes a powerful pathway to confidence and self-awareness.
3. Individual Youth Mentoring
Complementing group programs, CFS offers mentoring relationships that emphasise active listening, shared lived experience, and mutual learning. Unlike clinical counselling, this is a two-way, intergenerational exchange—where wisdom is not prescribed, but shared.
Why Does the CFS Model Work?
Beyond structure, the effectiveness of the CFS model lies in its underlying philosophy—the “why.”
At CFS, membership fosters a sense of commitment, belonging, and social identity—something larger than the self. Young people are not passive recipients, but active contributors.
Everything we do is grounded in three core elements:
Creativity, Curiosity, and Community.
We cultivate an environment where:
- There is no shame in talking about mental health challenges
- Conversations include both lived experience and practical strategies (e.g. laughter yoga, nature therapy, music, mindfulness, and seeking professional help when needed)
- Participation is strength-based, not deficit-focused
A key principle we uphold is:
You don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you.
From this, we consistently observe a powerful outcome:
Creativity builds confidence.
A Distinctive Feature: Intergenerational Connection
One of the defining aspects of the CFS model is its emphasis on intergenerational connection. Mentoring is not a one-way transfer of knowledge, but a reciprocal exchange. Through active listening and the sharing of lived experiences, both younger and older participants learn from one another.
Looking Ahead
The CFS model continues to evolve. What began as a grassroots initiative is gradually taking shape as a replicable framework for community-based mental health promotion—one that complements, rather than replaces, clinical services.
At its heart, the model remains simple but powerful:
Put connection first, create without fear, and grow together as a community.
CFS just submitted a grant application from Help St Foundation to roll out this CFS’s Youth-Led Creative Connection Pilot (applying the Cs model). The outcomes will be announced by the end of June. Keep our fingers crossed.
